#2 my point of view on Racism
It is under my skin because; firstly, I’ve seen a lot of people writing about it, and I found it really interesting.
Racism is one the big problems that bring separation in the world and between people. Many people do not know that they are racist until they find themselves surrounded by people from other cultures, colors, countries, etc. Racism is everywhere! That issue makes people feel so bad and uncomfortable when they are around racist; some people feel sad, some really really angry. There are still those who feel proud of what they are, but it is very rare. I am black, and sometimes when I am surrounded by racists I feel angry, and this anger generates in me a great pride, that of being who I am. I was in a class where the teacher had to develop a subject about the Civil Rights Movement, and she was stressed at the idea of talking about it because we (African-Americans) were sitting next door. So she did her best to make the other students understand that whatever the skin difference, we must understand and accept others, try to put ourselves in the shoes of others.
Racism issue makes a lot of people feel sad (white or black). I am not that angry, but sometime I feel sorry about it. Anyway, I am so proud to be African, and black : )!
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Hi Bernice,
One way that I have come to understand race, racism and my connection to it, is to learn about why race exists and how it has been used by those in power throughout history. It’s a divisive tactic, but once we understand it, then we can work to make sure people can’t use it to tear us apart. Have you seen the MTV Decoded videos by Franchesca Ramsey? Some of them are helpful tools for me when I’m tired of explaining the same thing over and over again to my white peers. I’m sad to hear about your experience with the unit on Civil Rights. I wonder how teacher preparation programs can support learners in their programs, so other students will not have your experience. I also wonder how race is connected to your first blog post about orphans in this country and in other countries.
Hi Carissa, I really like how you write and questions you ask. I hope a lot of people will be able to understand how bad racism is. I feel like racism can also be connected to my topic because I know some people who had to take care of children coming from an orphanage, but imagine that this orphanage contains the children of different races and that the adopter has a problem with their race? This situation is not very pleasant.
Hi again Bernice!
I think this post is so powerful. Racism is such a prominent issue that touches so many lives. I think you did a great job showing this personal connection. Sharing a personal experience can give have a big impact. I am looking forward to where this takes you
-Lindsay Beer.
Hi Lindsay, thank you for your words.
Dear Bernice,
I love this piece! I loved how you connected it to your real life and its really touching. I like how you talk about how racism makes people sad. I feel like so much of the time when someone is racist I get really mad, but that doesn’t usually do anything. It is just filling the world with more hate and thats not what we need. We need compassion and understanding to get over racism in our world. Thank you for writing this I really love it!
You’re welcome Alaena, and thank you : )!
Hey Bernice,
Your personal experience with racism makes this post especially strong. You are right to point out that racism is everywhere, even among people who don’t think it affects them (like many white people, sadly). It’s possible to ignore racism when you’re in the majority; many people get complacent, pointing to the movements of the 1960’s and suggesting that we’ve “come so far” as if that’s good enough.
Have you seen the amazing documentary about James Baldwin called “I Am Not Your Negro”? It explores why Americans have never come to terms with their past, and suggests that until they do, they will continue to pretend that we’ve conquered that past. The ending of the movie “Black Klansman” also promotes the (depressing) parallels of our past to our current situation.
Your comments about how exposure to many cultures can reduce racism interests me. What does that mean in a state like Vermont where it’s possible for anyone living outside of Chittenden county to go for weeks without seeing someone whose background significantly differs from their own? How can we expand the consciousness of our neighbors in light of this insularity?
I relate to the teacher who “did her best” to try to get her students to put themselves “in the shoes of others.” It’s a constant struggle for me as well, though foundational to why I became a teacher. You have lots to teach us, Bernice, because your vantage point is fairly unique in this small state. I look forward to learning from you.
Exactly! Thanks a lot Kate.
This was a great way to describe the feelings racism can cause people, and how it even connected to your every day life. In school right now, we are doing a civil rights unit, and this is all definitely very true. Thank you for addressing such an important issue!